Rodney Smith aka Roots Manuva is one of the titans of Black British music, known for his distinctive voice, complex lyricism, and genre-blending production. His innovative sound being one that merges hip-hop with reggae, dub, and electronic influences which established him as seminal figure in the UK music scene.
Smith released Run Come Save Me in 2001, a groundbreaking album that solidified his place in the pantheon of hip-hop greats. The album featured the hit single Witness (1 Hope), which become an anthem and is often cited as one of the greatest UK hip-hop tracks of all time.
His influence is one that extends beyond solo work. He had collaborated with a diverse array of artists, including the Gorillaz, The Cinematic Orchestra, and Coldcut, bringing his distinctive style to a wide range of musical projects. His contributions to the development of the UK hip-hop scene have also been recognised with numerous awards and honours, cementing his legacy as a true innovator.
A1 | ...No Strings |
A2 | Bashment Boogie |
A3 | Witness (1 Hope) |
A4 | Join The Dots |
B1 | Ital Visions |
B2 | Artical |
B3 | Hol' It Up |
B4 | Stone The Crows |
C1 | Kicking The Cack |
C2 | Dub Styles |
C3 | Trim Body |
C4 | Sinny Sin Sins |
C5 | Evil Rabbit |
D1 | Swords In The Dirt |
D2 | Highest Grade |
D3 | Dreamy Days |